A G protein-coupled α7 nicotinic receptor regulates signaling and TNF-α release in microglia.

Acetylcholine activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) in microglia attenuates neuroinflammation and regulates TNF-α release. We used lipopolysaccharide to model inflammation in the microglial cell line EOC20 and examined signaling by the α7 nAChR. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirm that α7 nAChRs bind heterotrimeric G proteins in EOC20 cells.